C major scale on guitar
The C major scale has 7 notes: C, D, E, F, G, A and B. The major scale is the reference point for most Western music: bright, settled and the source of the “do re mi” sound. Every other scale on this site is easiest to understand as a change to it.
Notes in C major
- Formula
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- Step pattern
- W – W – H – W – W – W – H
- Notes
- 7
Tap a note to hear it.
C major across the neck
Every C major note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, C. A good place to start: C on the A string is at fret 3, so play the notes between frets 2 and 6 first, then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from C |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Root |
| 2 | D | Major 2nd |
| 3 | E | Major 3rd |
| 4 | F | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | G | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | A | Major 6th |
| 7 | B | Major 7th |
Chords in C major
Stack every other note of the scale and you get these triads. Any of them will sound “at home” with the C major scale.
H = half step (1 fret), W = whole step (2 frets). Roman numerals: uppercase is major, lowercase is minor, ° is diminished, + is augmented.
Related scales
- Its relative minor is A minor: the same seven notes, starting from the 6th note.
- Drop the 4th and 7th and you get C major pentatonic.
- Play the same notes from the 2nd note for D Dorian, or from the 5th for G Mixolydian.
Questions
What notes are in the C major scale?
C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.
Where do I start the C major scale on guitar?
C on the A string is at fret 3, so play the notes between frets 2 and 6 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every C major note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to C major?
Its relative minor is A minor: the same seven notes, starting from the 6th note.
More scales
Major in every key
Other scales from C